FIFTY police officers were injured in relentless weekend rioting across Belfast and beyond, it was revealed today.

Loyalist gunmen opened fire on police and soldiers for two nights running as the city's streets were turned into a war zone. Blast, petrol and paint bombs were hurled at security lines throughout Belfast and parts of Co Antrim and Co Down.

At least 18 more officers were injured overnight after 32 were wounded during the first night of violence linked to an Orange Order march re-routed away from Catholic homes.

They were pelted with petrol bombs and paint by a 700-strong mob on the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast, where a digger was hijacked and used to flatten street lights. Police said shots were fired at them on the nearby Newtownards Road, and at the Army on Donegal Road, south Belfast.

A total of 36 baton rounds was discharged by the security forces. Soldiers also fired two live rounds at Broadway, west Belfast, where a man was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound. He was later arrested for attempted murder.

Explosions

New Barnsley police station, in the west of the city, was rocked by explosions. A car and van were crashed into its metal gates. Automatic gunfire was also directed at Tenant Street station in north Belfast, but no injuries were reported.

Cars and vans were hijacked and set on fire throughout Belfast, while in Bangor, Co Down, a bus was burned out by men who robbed passengers.

Plastic bullets and water cannon were directed at arsonists who destroyed a bank, a video shop, a fast-food outlet and offices at Cloughfern, Newtownabbey, north of Belfast.

Nearby, a pregnant woman and a man were dragged from their car by a gang during an attempted hijacking, while in Glengormley, Co Antrim, a building and three vehicles were wrecked by petrol bombers who targeted a car sales showroom.

Ambulance crews were forced back during three 999 calls, including one for a 93-year-old woman. Attacks were also launched in Banbridge, Co Down, and Glengormley and Ballymena in Co Antrim.

More than 22 people were arrested for rioting.

Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde was today briefing Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain on the full scale of the violence.

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